Letter: Stars ’n Stripes should stay open

Saturday

After reading the recent articles on the possible closure of the Stars ín Strikes (S&S) Bowling Center on Cherry Point air station, I feel the need to respond.

After reading the recent articles on the possible closure of the Stars ín Strikes (S&S) Bowling Center on Cherry Point air station, I feel the need to respond.

The information presented as the reasons for closure doesnít seem to make sense.

The articles Iíve seen state that the center has operated at a loss since 2008. I have my doubts. The losses have been the result of poor lifecycle management on a 40 plus year old building. Hurricane damaged roof? That building has leaked for more than 10 years. One leak forced relocation of the control center. Iím sure thatís one of the ďoperating lossesĒ being included. The powers that be put multiple bandages and rubber patches on it, throwing good money after bad, and now want to call it an operating loss? I wonder if the latest 10-month closure and half million dollar repair is included in those losses.

The machine upgrades and repairs needed now may not be needed if the situation was handled right the first time. Water and mechanical equipment donít mix.

Even though the S&S staff rolled out the tarps to cover the equipment every time itís rained for the last several years, it was still the facility itself cutting into the budget.

If itís going to be sustainable, it at least has to be maintainable.

There is no other activity/facility on (or off) station that accommodates a wider range of participants. Anyone can bowl ó from the youngest single Marine to the senior staff and beyond. Families, civilians who work on base, and even local community members (who come out of their pockets and get background checks for the privilege of access to the base). The center encourages participation by young people, whether on leagues or as recreation, and has leagues for ages 3-21. The dedicated staff and volunteer coaches have produced a number of state champion junior bowlers throughout the years. Would you rather have your child bowling on base or shooting pool downtown? Do our single Marines really need another/bigger bar (one rumor has the Roadhouse moving to the bowling center building)?

By its very nature, bowling provides an environment where 100 plus people can gather in a social setting and interact regardless of rank, status or age.

The military community is far more tolerant of young couples who bring their kids along on league night instead of hiring a sitter. Try going to an off-base bowling center and setting up your portable crib.

I would also bet that the majority of our local bowlers would pay a couple dollars more to help Marine Corps Community Serviceís (MCCS) precious bottom line. It would still be cheaper than the available alternatives; even more so when you factor in at least an hour on the road (round trip to either New Bern or Cape Carteret) and gas for the 40-60 mile round-trip.

I admit that ďI have a horse in this race.Ē Iím a league president on station. I started my bowling career in that bowling center in 1966 when it opened. I took a 22 year break to serve our country. Believe it or not, part of my decision to retire here was based on the availability of a bowling alley. My mother has bowled on at least two leagues a week since it opened and will continue if it reopens. My 2 year old grandson could be the fourth generation of bowlers in the center. Weíre not unique. There are a number of multi-generational families bowling at S&S.

Weíre being told that a final decision hasnít been made yet, but I notice that the bowling center has already been removed from the MCCS websiteís Recreation link.

I submit that Stars ín Strikes is sustainable, as it has been for nearly 50 years. It is also one of the best avenues that exist to foster relations between the station and local communities. I refuse to believe that itís the financial train wreck described. I understand the budget aspect, but this is absolutely the wrong service to eliminate. Anyone else agree?

Bobby Allen, Havelock

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